HITS Ocala Prize List is now online and highlights a diverse schedule for the upcoming show season at HITS Post Time FarmEquestrian News Release

OCALA, FL (November 4, 2008)—The 2009 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit prize list has been mailed and is also now available online for those exhibitors who are making their winter showing plans.

The eight-week horse show circuit starts on January 14 with two unrated weeks. Following a week off, action shifts into high gear with the Ocala Winter Classic on February 3 and continues for six consecutive weeks of AA-rated competition. Highlighting the schedule for 2009 is the all new Ocala Winter Celebration that takes place March 10-15 and features a full week of exciting hunter/jumper competition, concluding with the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group on Sunday, March 15.

The $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix may serve as the big finish for the Grand Prix riders that attend HITS Ocala in 2009, but it isn't the only action for high-performance riders. HITS Ocala is home to some of the top Grand Prix riders in the country and, with 14 Grand Prix events throughout the eight-week circuit, it's certainly enough to keep them entertained. In total, there is $575,000 in Grand Prix prize money up for grabs this season at HITS Ocala. And, every Grand Prix offered in Ocala is a qualifier for the $100,000 USGPL Invitational Grand Prix.

In addition to the Grand Prix action, the 2009 schedule boasts some exciting new classes each week. The pre-circuit is highlighted by the $20,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Championship.

After a one week break, show jumping returns with the Ocala Winter Classic which features the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix and the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix. Then, the Ocala Winter Festival (February 10-15) is up and features the ever-popular Central Equine Relay, which will take place under the lights in the Grand Prix ring on Friday night. On Sunday, the $25,000 Jr/A-O Jumper High and $15,000 Jr/A-O Jumper Low Classics take the stage.

The Ocala Masters (February 17-22) also features some competition under the lights when the $15,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Classic takes place in the Grand Prix ring. The hunt will be on Sunday during the $10,000 A-O Hunter Classic and the $10,000 Junior Hunter Classic in the Main Hunter ring.

More night action is on tap for the Ocala Tournament (February 24-March 1) when the $5,000 Children's Hunter Classic takes place on Saturday night. During the Ocala Winter Finals (March 3-8) all eyes will be on the top hunter riders at the circuit when the $10,000 USHJA Hunter Derby kicks off on Saturday night. Also on the agenda is the all-new $5,000 Pony Commotion on Sunday morning in the Grand Prix ring. The $5,000 Pony Commotion made its debut at HITS Saugerties in 2008 and was very successful featuring a starting field of 19 pairs.

The Ocala Winter Celebration (March 10-15) rounds out an action-packed circuit and is highlighted by an epic day of competition on Sunday. In addition to the $100,000 class, other action includes the $25,000 Team Barber Jr/A-O Jumper High and $15,000 Jr/A-O Jumper Low Classics, plus the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's/Adult Jumper Classic and the very popular Parade of Champions with a special presentation of circuit awards sponsored by Antares Sellier France.

By all accounts it looks to be another banner year for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. So, exhibitors are encouraged to make their plans early. To help with that, HITS has some great lodging partners for this year's shows. They include 12 hotels and one long-term leasing partner. Click here to view the complete list. HITS, Inc. has negotiated special exhibitor rates at certain hotels as well, so be sure to check for special HITS customer rates for early bookings.

HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.

<a href="http://www.equestrianmag.com/article/hits-ocala-schedule-post-time-farm-11-08.html">HITS Ocala Prize List is now online and highlights a diverse schedule for the upcoming show season at HITS Post Time Farm</a> ~ EquestrianMag.com